HELP! I need some support!!!!!

Angie - posted on 07/03/2010

LOL Cannot nurse him with teeth. Let me assure you their is nothing wrong with nursing a baby with teeth. My youngest daughter was 21months before I weaned her. Do not let idiots like this control your life with the way you want to breastfeed. Print off a whole load of stuff from WHO (World Health Organisation) and SLAM it on that docs desk. What an idiot where did he get his medical degree the doctors institute for dummies. JEESH!!! Here a link to some snappy comebacks for people who seem so dead against breastfeeding really funny. http://www.typeamom.net/snappy-comebacks...

Alex - posted on 07/03/2010

Hi Julie
I assume you are happy to continue BFing? If you are anything like me you arent actually sure when you want to stop! I aimed originally to stop at 4 monthsm then 6 then 10, then 12... so on, and my LO is now 14 months and we are still going strong! It just never feels 'right' and Betha enjoys it so much i couldnt bare to take it away from her. She goes to nursery full time and gets a lot of bugs, and bfing has been a SAVIOR! We were at hospital with a mytery virus a month or so ago and the peds were impressed (if thats the right word!) i was still bfing as it helped calm her, reduce her racing heartbeat, and obviously hydrate her when her temp was really high. I am only starting to get funny looks/comments now when people realise i am still bfing - and it does upset me and make me feel uncomfy - but Betha is more important than my feeling a little awkward every now and again. Its such a shame the most natural thing in the world provokes this reaction in people, i hope we are doing our part to change things for our childen.

I havent read all the other responses but i am sure plenty of people have mentioned the le leche league, contact them if you need any info or moral support, they also have a really nice book caled the womaly art of breastfeeding which is full of interesting facts.

oh, and teeth make no difference, betha has about 10!!

best of luck
Alex

Sandra - posted on 07/03/2010

firstly i would advise to get rid of this stupid doctor i have a 12 month old little sister with 10 teeth and she still has 2 breastfeeds a day.I cannott believe you have gotten so little support on your decision to breastfeed as it is definately the best thing for troy and i think you should definately breastfeed for as long as possible. as to everyone who is telling you to stop just say that it is none of their business and if they dont like it they should keep their mouths shut.
good luck i hope all goes well and remember breast is best.

Heather - posted on 07/03/2010

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Teeth are not a reason to wean. I am nursing twins who are almost 10 months old. Chloe has 4 teeth and Sophie has 2 teeth. It is time to ignore family and possibly get a new dr. You should nurse until at least age 1 and if you choose to wean prior to age 1 you will have to buy formula. Congrats for nursing for 5 months. Keep up the good work and just ignore all those telling you to wean.

Karen - posted on 07/03/2010

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a lot of unnecessary pressure... First of all, kudos to you for choosing to give your son the best milk he'll ever have! :) That is one unselfish act a mother can do to her child... You don't have to listen to your mom and MIL since he is your son and not theirs... Although I understand that they and other people might get uncomfortable seeing other moms breastfeed in public, but so many breastfeeding covers are available now, and so as not to offend them, just get yourself one -- that is, if you still haven't got one. That way you can feed your darling son in public without making other people uncomfortable...

Although I don't directly breastfeed my daughter who is already 1 y.o now (due to work), I pump regularly, and I really see that my daughter get sick a lot less than other babies her age... She is very healthy, not sooo fat and not thin, and is not super heavy -- an advantage to me since I'm very petite... My doctors are really glad to know that I give her my milk instead of formula, and encourage me to continue :)

You need people who will support you in your choice to breastfeed... That's why we are here :) I just wish that your family will open their minds to the advantages of breastfeeding...

Sara - posted on 07/02/2010

My daughter is 10 months old now and has 8 teeth,i still breast feed her.maby not as much as i used to because i have been bitten by her ,but u can breast feed for as long as u would like to.dont let anyone presure you to do what they want.your the mother ,do what u think id right.

Soleil - posted on 07/02/2010

your opinion is the only one that matters when it comes to what your son is eating. No mother should be pressured, in either direction on how to feed her child. I know that each side ( breastfeeding / bottle feeding) thinks they have it harder, but as a mom who has been on both sides (my oldest refused to latch, my youngest can't get enough of nursing) no matter how you feed your child, someone is going to think you're wrong. If you are happy nursing, keep going as long as you want!! Everyone here will support you! And as for your doctor, I've talked to moms who have nursed their sons until they are 4, so I don't see why teeth should hinder anything! Keep it up if it makes you happy, and just ignore those who don't support you!

Amber - posted on 07/02/2010

Hi. In my opinion breastfeed as long as your supposed to, but it will most likely be unpleasant if he has teeth. Don't listen to your family or anyone. Do what you think is best for your child. I learned that the hard way. You have to do what you as your childs parent thinks is the right thing to do.

Meghan - posted on 07/02/2010

I just want to say that this doctor sounds like an idiot! My baby is almost a year and has 8 teeth! I still breastfeed! My mom gets weird about it too like I better stop nursing the day of his first birthday but it is ridiculous. I am going to do what feels comfortable even though it may be hard for some people to deal with.

I am glad that you are sticking with it.

Jacklynn - posted on 07/02/2010

I am so sorry you are going through this! Good for you for breastfeeding your son!! I breastfed my son until he was 17 months old and there are certainly mothers who go even longer than that. I would tell you to contact the La Leche League and get in touch with a support person from that group. They are wonderful and I'm sure they will have advice for you. You DO NOT have to stop breastfeeding just because your child has teeth. You might consider consulting another pediatrician.

http://www.llli.org/
This is the web address for La Leche League....you can find a local support person.

Hang in there....breastfeeding is a wonderful thing to do for your child.

Rainbow - posted on 07/01/2010

Be strong Julie. Breastfeed for as long as you want. For me, my cut off was a year, but I probably could have gone longer if I didn't have to go back to work and my daughter has 6 teeth!!! Imagine that. Its unfortunate that your family isn't supportive, but as long as your hubby is behind you then I say "Rock on!!!" As for the teeth thing, your Dr. is ignorant... obviously he has never breastfed a baby before. Next time he has some brilliant advice to give you about breastfeeding ask him about his experiance with it. That oughta shut him up.
Good luck to you and keep up the good work.

Alyssa - posted on 07/01/2010

Ok u breastfeed that baby as long as you wont to and if they dont like it they them to buz of. All of mine were breastfeed for almost a year and that is really good for themit help's them so much better then anything eals. Keep your head up you are doing the right thing and they just need to back off:) God bless and you are doing good:)

Febry - posted on 07/01/2010

i heard breast feed is the best~
no doubt bout it,you are the mom,you know your son more than anyone else........

Vanja - posted on 07/01/2010

It doesn't hurt to breastfead when the child has teeth !!! There is no pain at all !!!

Vanja - posted on 07/01/2010

Hi,
Keep breastfeeding !!! It is the best thing !!! I only just stopped b-feeding my girl when she turned 4 and still breastfeeding my son who is turning 2 soon (I was tandem feeding for about 2 years). I wasn't supported on it by my family, but I kept going. I DID hava a support by my doctor and my maternity health nurse. And that did help I have to say. My husband supported me as well. Formula is based on cow's milk, so when some of my friends commented that I shoud stop b-feeding I used to tell them "How is cow's milk better than mine?? This is made for them !!" Try to think of some answers ... Have a look at Pinky McKay's site www.pinkymckay.com.au She is very pro-breastfeeding... Good luck and if you need some support or reassurance, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail: vanjamilo@yahoo.com.au

Ann - posted on 07/01/2010

Please don't let anyone to pressure you to stop breastfeeding. You are doing this for your son not for anyone else.

I'm so sorry you must feel really bad being told to stop. My son is 19 months old and I am still breastfeeding him.

And as for having teeth at the front and you can't breastfeed is bull my son has 12 teeth front and back and nothing has changed it feels the same as him without teeth.

Goodluck with everything and I hope you continue breastfeeding. :)

Jennifer - posted on 06/30/2010

:( Sorry you're going through this. If they want to raise a baby tell them to have one of their own... otherwise, you do what you feel is best. Don't make a decision based on what other people say that you may regret later. My Mom will make jokes about my 10 1/2 month hanging off my lap (saying she's too big basically) but I just brush it off... especially because last month everyone got sick accept her :) Good luck and stick to your guns!

Michelle - posted on 06/30/2010

You have to do what you are comfortable with, I got sick when my daughter was five months old, and was forced to wean her. She wouldn't eat for a day and a half. I was horrified. She wasn't hurt though and is a healthy nine year old.

Sophie - posted on 06/30/2010

I'm sorry to hear this, my mother was also against me breastfeeding, I heard nothing but negative comments, and had people ask me why I would do something like this to myself. I refused to give in to this negativity. Even when I started to lose my breastmilk, I continued for as long as possible, domperidone, compresses, pumping etc... just to be able to get one or two small feedings a day as I truly believe that at least a little breast milk was better than none. I managed to make it to 8 1/2 months and was very proud. I am the longest lasting bf person in my entire family. People either didnt do it or gave up after a couple of weeks. Breastfeeding is hard enough without hearing negative comments from people you trust and respect. In the end you have to do what you think is best for your baby, not what other people tell you. You can breastfeed a child when they have teeth, if for some reason, your baby starts hurting your breasts and you want to continue, try a nipple shield see if that helps. But if you use one, you will need to pump a little after each feeding and really make sure that you stay on top of supply as it can reduce you milk. All the best to you.

Farah - posted on 06/30/2010

You need to tell your dr and your family MYOB. I nursed/am nursing both of my girls until 2 and my oldest had 20 teeth when I started weaning her, the teeth hardly get in the way. I have no one in my family that bf'd and I got slack from everyone about how long, and how THEY didn't think it was nessesary at all, because of formula. I had to stand up for myself and my kids often and made some ppl especially my MIL mad at me but you know what they raised their kids they did what they wanted now it is you and your husbands turn. The dr you have sounds like a crack pot, everyone from the APA to WHO say that you should bf at least 1 year and that 2 is even better. Cows milk is made for calves and human milk is made for human babies, formula was made for no one, its not real.

Stephanie - posted on 06/30/2010

You can so nurse babies with teeth! I'm still nursing my 16 month old, and he has plenty of teeth! I know how you feel, cuz I got a lot of crap from my mother in law. You know whats best for your baby, do what you feel is right. Talk to a lactation consultant or pediatric doctor, most docs have no clue about breastfeeding. They just aren't trained about it. Believe me, I know. I've been told to quit nursing so many times its not funny. But my pediatrician reassured me that it was safe and okay.

Elizabeth - posted on 06/30/2010

I want to say that you are strong for wanting to do what you feel is right for your child. If you choose to continue breastfeeding from the breast and his teeth hurts begin to hurt you, I would suggest breastfeeding with a bottle. I myself would like to try and breastfeed my son but i would also do what is comfortable for the both of us. As for your family they should want what would help your son in the long run. I agree with Samara with it's up to you and your child to decide when enough is enough.

Mandy - posted on 06/30/2010

This must be so hard for you, you'd expect your family to support you, mine don't understand why I'm so passionate about bfing but they wouldn't dream of ever callin me on it - you know you're doing what makes you and you little family happy. Yay for supportive hubbies, mine is sometimes more passionate than I am.
You should ask your Dr why they are called milk teeth in the 1st place. My 17 month old weaned a month ago and he has a full set of teeth, yes I did get bitten a few times but as soon as I took him off and said no, he quickly learned not to do it.
Breastfeeding is perfect to carry on while introducing food, however you decide to do it. I hope things get better for you, and you know that you can always vent away on here and have people who will back you up.

Gretchen - posted on 06/30/2010

my son is only 1 month but i chose to breast feed because it is healthier for yr child.
fortunitly my family is supportive, i dont think you should worrie about what yr fam is saying.
my mom breast four kids untill they turned 1, there is nothing wrong with it at all.
plus it is a great way to bond with yr child.
dont stop breastfeeding, hold yr head high, yr doing a healthy natural thing.... you go girl!!!!!

Kristin - posted on 06/30/2010

Breastfeed as long as it is working for both you and your son. This is about his nutrition and your being able to provide it. This is NOT about what your family thinks or wants. Your son's doctor is an idiot and you can find info to back that up through La Leche, a lactation consultant, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization. This could be shown to your family too.

I breastfed my two older boys for 14 months and 18 months respectively. Through all of the teething and anything else that came through the door. I chose to do it for at least 9 months and anything beyond was icing.

I would encourage you to check out the breastfeeding community in CoM. You will get loads of support there and they will have lots of tips and advice you can try as you encounter problems or idiots. I would also encourage you to just feed your baby and ignore your family's nonsense. good luck.

Alicia - posted on 06/30/2010

I understand my future mil kept asking when I was going to do it for and what am i going to do when he starts cutting teeth and so on. But yet she supposely breastfed her kids. So annoying. Anyway, just ignore them I know its hard I went through it too. My mom finally just stopped a month or so ago she still teases me and says switch. Mommy knows best. Tell them you had your chance to raise your babies now its your turn. Just remind them all the benefits if they seem to be that worried or just ask them what is it hurting if your breastfeeding your baby. Okay he has teeth i understand but if youre handling the pain then keep on breastfeeding even if you have to give him breast milk through a bottle atleast hes still getting it. My baby is almost five months too and he won't take a bottle very often> I would just try to ignore everyone your his mother not them. best of luck.

Kim - posted on 06/30/2010

My daughter is 1 and half I still breast feed 3 times a day. Its the most natural thing you can do thats why God gave us boobs to feed our young. Your child will benifit greatly from your feeding him.I got bit and Im ok, so you will be fine. Dont worry about what others say they are just embrassed of there boddies. Good Luck

Ilse - posted on 06/29/2010

I am saddened by your post. You shouldn't be getting suck flak from family. Tell them to go to hell!!!!! You have every right in the world to continue to breast feed your son. It is what is best for him. And I have NEVER heard a doctor tell someone to stop! That just makes me mad. Coming here for support was a good idea. Don't give up! You breast feed your baby until YOU want to stop...whether that's at a year or tomorrow. Keep strong. Come here when you need us. ♥

Andrina - posted on 06/29/2010

WOW!!! I feel really offended for you because this is the BEST thing you could give any baby, however you shouldn't let others try to change your opinion on breastfeeding even if you do live in a small town. You obviously know what is best for your baby and you should stick with it even if your doctor doesn't agree. I applaud you for having the patience and want to breastfeed. Keep going and just try to stay positive and if you are ever feeling like giving up just know that there are millions of other moms that support what you are doing.

Monica - posted on 06/29/2010

omg i can't believe that!! u can bf a baby with teeth, how crazy is that!? Why should you wean him?? it makes no sense!! Stay strong and do what YOU want for YOUR child!! It's the best gift to be able to breastfeed and a great bond, and in my opinion you should do it at least until your child can drink regular milk!! what's the point of weaning just to get the kid on a bottle?! and pay for all that and formula??? yuck and the heating the formula and cleaning bottles... WAY too much work!! LOL when you can just cuddle w/ur little one who's still a baby!? Don't worry about what they say, tell them it's the healthiest thing and to leave you alone about it!!

Cynthia - posted on 06/29/2010

KEEP GOING EVERYONE TELLS ME THE SAME BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER IS 7MONTHS AND I STILL BREASTFEED. MY FAMILY ONLY LASTED LESS THAN A MONTH IM THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS LAST THIS LONG AND THEY LOOK AT ME DISGUSTED AND I LOOK AT THEM THE SAME WAY AND TELL THEM I DONT CARE ITS GOOD FOR ME AND MY CHILD

Rachel - posted on 06/29/2010

My son is 10 months and has 7 teeth and I still BF him.

Tiphanny - posted on 06/29/2010

look u do wat ur comfortable with no obne can force u 2 stop breastfeeding and when ur ready to wean ur son ur ready 2

Marie - posted on 06/29/2010

You should do what ever you want to do. Breastfeeding is what is best for the baby. My close friend has a 14 month old daughter and still breastfeeds her when ever she asks for it. I strongly beleive in breastfeeding. We were made to do it. :)

Kim - posted on 06/29/2010

Do what is right for you and your son. Ignore all the people pressuring you one way or another. You know what is best for your son. Science and W.H.O is on your side, so you can always show them the research- however, you don't need to explain a thing to anyone! :)

Emmanuelle - posted on 06/29/2010

My son is 11 months old, he's got 8 teeth and the 9th is coming through... I still breastfeed him and WE love it! It doesn't hurt at all!!! Because babies know how to feed with their teeth (otherwise not a single mum in the whole world and in the entire human history would have breastfed at all!).
He tried to bite me a few times, but i told him a big NO! and sat him on the floor, and now he know biting=no feed so he doesn't bite and everything is fine!

Don't mind the pressure, just tell them nicely that it's your business, as long as YOU (mum, dad and baby) feel happy!

Good luck, just go with what you feel is right!

Jaclyn - posted on 06/29/2010

woww! i cant belive his doctor told you to wean that is ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!! im sorry you have to be in this situation. people in both mine and my fiance's family didnt breastfeed either and especially his mom..annd family pressuring me to wean and tell me all sorts of things. but you know what its your child ya know.. be strong and keep it up there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. hey my child is 14 months and i still do it.. and its getting hqard because being young and all other moms my age think its crazy but ya know what its what i chose and you shouyld do what you feel is right. wish you the best.

Amanda - posted on 06/29/2010

My sister nursed her son til he was 8 months old and he had a mouth full of teeth by then. So that is crazy be strong and ignore the ignorant comments and stop when you are ready and not when someone else says you should. They don't know your baby like you do.

Michelle - posted on 06/29/2010

First of all I would tell them all to mind their own business and you continue to bf your son. There is nothing wrong with it and so what if he has teeth. I can't believe your doctor even told you to start and ween him off the breast. My doctor always said the longer the better. I continued to breastfeed my second daughter until she was 28 months old. It took alittle longer for her to ween but my doctor just told me it was okay at that point it is more of a comfort for the child. Now mind you this child had a full mouth of teeth. LOL. But like I said my doctor said it was fine. I am currently nursing my youngest that is 9 months and again I will nurse her for a year. Or if not longer but I may start weening her sooner then my second daughter but overall it is your choice to breastfeed and you have that options to do it as long as you feel comfortable with doing so. I do think alot of women / people frown upon breastfeeding now a days for what reason I don't know but I don't care what people think I am glad that I was and am able to give that to my child. Its a natural and beautiful gift...

Stephanie - posted on 06/29/2010

My son has all his teeth and i just weaned him at 19 months.Hang in there....atleast you have your husbands support.You go girl

Jill - posted on 06/29/2010

My son has 8 teeth and he is nearly one year old! I am STILL breastfeeding! He's on homo milk and sometimes formula but in the end I am still breastfeeding! Yes your lil cutie will probly bite you (mine sure did!) but other than that there is absolutley NO problems breastfeeding after teeth set in! Your doctor no offence needs to go back to med school! Dont listen to your family and listen to your own instincts!

Francesca - posted on 06/28/2010

I got some comments from the few in my family that were naysayers.



And its a fine line. You don't want to cause a feud. the stress isn't worth it. But you want them to be supportive.



So, just let them know how much you appreciate them. That your little one is so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents to look out for him. That you love him too and thats why you want the best. And until someone provides proof that there is something out there better than breastmilk, then this is what he is going to eat. Offer them the articles that APS and WHO puts out. Ask them if they too want Troy to have the best.



Get past the silly little comments and nitpicks they have to say. Don't fight back with comments. It will only lead to hostility and more comments. Find out exactly why they think you should and all sit down together to address their misinformation with the latest research and stats. The LLL has some amazing resources.



Although you do not need their approval to continue, it would be fantastic to have their support. And think of the way you are paving for the women in your family!



My daughter is 14 months (with 8 teeth) and I have not had to listen to weaning comments in nearly 5 months. :)



As for your doctor, find a different doctor. S/he clearly knows nothing on pediatrics. Find one who's values and knowledge lines up with your own.

Elysia - posted on 06/28/2010

well thats just silly saying u cant nurse when they have teeth, many women nurse for years. I couldnt go to this extreme myself but i bf my son till he was 9months and i only weaned him as i was 3months pregnant and was concerned about a growing toddler laying across my expanding tummy.
I think its very sad that your family are against bf,. its a wonderful experience and a great thing you are doing for your child. NO formula or other form of milk is as good as breast milk and it adjust (so they say) to suit the child and their needs at the time. I would politly tell them that u respect their decision to not breast feed their children and that u would apprecitate if they could respect yours to do so for your child as long as both you and your baby are willing.

Lori - posted on 06/28/2010

That is really great that you have stayed strong, and even managed to show your MIL a thing or two with how much money you are saving. Many mothers would cave under that kind of family pressure, and you should be so PROUD that you are doing what's best for your baby, and following your instincts as the mother.

As to the doctor, if you are unable to switch, turn the tables around and ask him WHERE he got the idea that babies with teeth can't nurse, when clearly millions of mothers around the world do? (My son is 20 months, with 16 teeth, and still breastfeeds - no biting, no soreness.) Clearly it is NOT from his own personal experience, so where is he getting his flawed information from?

So often doctors give bad information and we're expected to swallow it like it's the holy writ...but they need to be challenged when they are giving such clearly ignorant advice.

Good for you for standing your ground, keep it up!

Eden - posted on 06/28/2010

I applaud you in your persistence. With out support it isnt easy. As far as your family goes it is not their choice whether you breastfeed or not. Do they understand that not only are you doing the best thing for your son by breastfeeding but also you are saving money and time by not having to buy formula or take the time to make a bottle. If you have not had an issue with him biting at all with three teeth it wont change. But if he does reprimand him and they usually dont do it again. My sister has friend whose son bite her at 9 months old, and she got after him and he has not bit again. Good luck with it all. I hope that you are able to continue with breastfeeding. :)

Brandi - posted on 06/28/2010

You know what is best for you and your son. No one in my family breastfed except one of my sisters-in-law. At 3 months and 6 months family members were asking when I'd be weaning Luke. I know that what I was doing was best for him and I was perfectly comfortable with my decision. Luke nursed until he was 14 months. He weaned so easily....he did it, not me. I am so thankful that I was able to meet his needs and insure that he was nurtured and well nourished. Hang in there, you'll do what is right for you and your family. That's what is important. :)

Kerri - posted on 06/28/2010

Of course you can nurse when baby has teeth. If they are latched properly they are not able to bite. As for how long, keep in mind the WHO recommends 2 years and beyond. If you choose not to nurse for that long, how ever long you can continue is to the benefit of your baby! All the best!

Amy - posted on 06/28/2010

Do what's best for you and your son and your family. Breast feeding is the best way for babies to get nutrients, it's the purest and most natural way. Some mother's breast feed for a year! I'm sorry your family does not agree with it but you are the primary person raising your baby. Good Luck!!

Desiree - posted on 06/28/2010

Breatfeeding is the most healthiest thing todo for your child, who cares what the family and friends say it helps you bond with your child, as for what the doc says he may be right but that doesn't mean you have to listen to his advise i was planning to breastfeed till my baby is a year old. =) good luck

Nicole - posted on 06/28/2010

I am sorry that you are going through this! You can totally breastfeed even when your baby has teeth!!! Especially since it hasn't bothered you so far.

I have learned that if tell people that my child's doctor told me to continue to breastfeed (even if it's not true), that they always back off.

Also, educating them about the risks to formula feeding (breast cancer and osteoporosis for you and diabetes, ear infections, obesity, SIDS, etc. for your baby) may help them to be more supportive.

Get some information on the benefits to breastfeeding (like http://promom.org/101/index.html) and you'll have some ammunition for the "comments".

Good luck and keep up the good work! You are doing the best by your baby AND yourself!!!